Revolutionizing Oral Health: Essential Preventative and Diagnostic Dental Procedures
**Dental Services and Procedures**
In Richmond, VA, dentists offer a wide array of dental services, ranging from basic fillings and cleanings to more advanced treatments like sedation dentistry. Family or general dentists are well-trained and capable of addressing a broad spectrum of dental needs.
Common dental services include dental bonding, cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges, dentures, cosmetic procedures, tooth contouring, teeth whitening, root canals, extractions, permanent tooth replacements, braces, Invisalign, root planning, and scaling.
**Oral Examination**
An oral dental exam involves a thorough check-up of everything related to your oral health. This includes looking over your medical history, screening for oral cancer, checking your gums, diagnosing any issues, and discussing treatment options. Sometimes, x-rays are used to get a full picture of both visible and hidden dental concerns.
**Regular Cleaning**
During a routine cleaning, dental hygienists will professionally clean your teeth. They start by using special tools to remove any plaque or tartar build-up. Then, they polish and floss your teeth to leave them smooth and shiny. Once the cleaning is done, they’ll give you tailored advice and tips for keeping your teeth in great shape at home.
**X-rays**
Modern dentists use digital x-rays instead of traditional film. These digital sensors significantly reduce radiation exposure (by about 90%) and provide high-quality images that are instantly saved on a computer. These images can be easily rotated, magnified, and color-coded to help explain dental issues. Digital x-rays give a comprehensive view of your entire mouth, including teeth, jaw joints, nasal area, sinuses, and jawbones, which can reveal tumors, cysts, bone problems, and more.
**Sealants**
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent decay. This is particularly important because molars have grooves that can trap food and bacteria. Sealants cover these grooves, making it harder for decay to develop. They are especially beneficial for children between the ages of 5 and 14.
**Crowns**
Crowns are used for teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, or damaged. They can be made from various materials like metal or porcelain. Porcelain crowns are often chosen for their natural look, while metal crowns are preferred for their strength and ease of cleaning. Crowns are designed to cover the entire tooth and are commonly used after root canal therapy or to support dental implants and partial dentures.
